Daily Number

53

July 9, 2010

After the sweltering heat of the past week, many New Jerseyans are eyeing a trip down the shore this weekend. For the most part, they have a choice of 53 publicly owned beaches--but only six of them are free. Most beaches charge individuals between $5 and $8 or $10 per car. The NJ Public Advocate’s guide to New Jersey beaches details each of the public beaches and the services offered. A quick perusal demonstrates there is little correlation between public services and price--most likely for reasons that are obvious to New Jersey natives. Mantaloking, for instance, is the most expensive public beach at $12 a tag but it provides no lifeguards, restrooms or showers. Atlantic City provides all of that, plus changing rooms, and it is free.